Almost 4,000 social studies teachers gathered in Boston this past November for the annual National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) conference.

Anton Schulzki, interim executive director of NCSS, taught social studies for 41 years in Colorado. In this Educator Voice, Schulzki shares why social studies matters; what he most wants the public to know about social studies teachers and advice for teaching under times of pressure.

"It's more than just history and civics," Schulzki said, "It's really everything that encompasses so much of what we do in life."

Schulzki shares the role professional development plays in strengthening teachers' craft and camaraderie among their peers. He also discussed why it's important to support students outside the classroom through extracurricular activities.

Produced by News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio and Payton Alfieri, junior at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va., and intern with PBS News Hour Classroom.

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.